Chapter 677 - 535: The Upheaval at Yuanhe Mountain

The evening breeze swept through, the iron horse under the eaves rang with a void-like sound, and the mountain was bathed in a crimson hue under the clear glow of twilight.

In Wuji Hall, Daoist Master Zhengyang, clad in a deep blue Daoist robe, stood by the window, his distinct fingers gently tapping the turtle shell, his gaze taking in the distant mountain mist.

His eyes sparkled with light, his eyebrows slightly raised, his lips slightly turned upward, his mood was rather pleasant at that moment.

No, it should be said that he’s been in quite a good mood these past few years.

The sect was thriving, and every day was worth looking forward to.

If achievement defines heroes, then as the Sect Leader, he added more wealth to the sect’s foundation than any of his predecessors.

Time is relentless, but to witness the sect’s rise in life’s twilight, he is filled with satisfaction, feeling intoxicated by the evening breeze.

At this moment, a brilliant red flame streaked across the sky like a meteor, swiftly approaching Sunrise Peak.

Moments later, Zhang Zizhao landed before Wuji Hall, put away his Jade Flame Purple Spirit Gourd, and hurriedly entered the hall.

Daoist Master Zhengyang spoke softly, "What happened? Why are you in such a rush? I’ve told you many times, real calm is needed in the face of big events."

Zhang Zizhao scratched his head and complimented, "Ancestor, how can a disciple compare to you!"

His tone shifted as he continued:

"Urgent messages came from Cyan Cloud Immortal City saying that Yuanhe Mountain recently recruited a large batch of new disciples, and yesterday morning, Master Beichen announced the closure of the mountain gate.

The details haven’t been verified yet, but in three to five days, news will surely be returned."

The actions of Yuanhe Mountain are very subtle, leaving only the sect and Luofeng Valley as powers capable of control in the Western Continent.

Daoist Master Zhengyang furrowed his brows, then gradually relaxed:

"Master Beichen is similar in age to me, but he suffered serious injuries and should be nearing the end of his life span.

Yuanhe Mountain hasn’t had new Golden Core Cultivators emerge for a long time, if Master Beichen passes away, their situation will become quite awkward.

Now closing the mountain, although yielding some interests, the essence isn’t severely hurt. Someday when a new Golden Core Daoist Master emerges, Yuanhe Mountain’s legacy will continue, and the mountain gate will reopen."

The other party’s approach has both pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the cons. Putting himself in the other’s shoes, Daoist Master Zhengyang felt he would make the same choice.

Thinking of this, he felt an inexplicable sigh.

During the demon calamity, the scene of Master Beichen slaying Golden Core Demon Beasts vividly comes to mind, but now it ends dimly, there is a sense of tragic and heroic decline.

Zhang Zizhao pondered for a while and asked:

"With Yuanhe Mountain closing its gates, the Northern Realm of the Western Continent will become a scattered sandpile, should we extend our reach?"

"Of course, but don’t overdo it, leave some grace for future maneuvering."

Not mortal enemies, to leave room is to ensure future amicability.

Zhang Zizhao smiled, "I understand, I’ll send sect cultivators to rent shops in various marketplaces and conduct proper business, this should be perfectly acceptable."

"Good, handle it like this, and also closely monitor Luofeng Valley’s movements."

"Understood!"

...

With the news of Yuanhe Mountain’s gate closure spread, the situation in the Western Continent underwent another undercurrent.

Ji An received the news but didn’t pay excessive attention, daily cultivating techniques, attending to the Spirit Field in Red Flame Peak and Gourd World, nurturing the fire seed of the Cyan Lotus Heart-Burning Fire, his days were peaceful and beautiful.

A month passed, and the bright moon shone, silver light flowing like water.

Ji An sat cross-legged in the grotto mansion, activating the Primordial Life Fire to refine the fire seed.

Suddenly, the fire seed exploded, and flames of three colors - blue, red, and white - surged up, descending from above the Primordial Life Fire to nearby spots.

The firelight was weak like a wick in the wind, seemingly about to extinguish at any moment, yet it hardly affected Ji An’s happiness.

The Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire had been completely refined and newly nurtured, and during future cultivation, naturally, some magical power would enhance it.

Just as Ji An imagined a beautiful future, an anomaly occurred in the dantian, the quietly resting Stone Turtle opened its eyes, revealing an inquisitive look.

It curiously crawled to the Cyan Lotus Heart-Burning Fire, tilting its head at the flame, seemingly contemplating.

Moments later, it slightly opened its mouth, exhaling a stream of Clear Spirit Qi.

Like drops of water falling into a burning furnace, the Cyan Lotus Heart-Burning Fire suddenly surged, expanding tenfold.

Ji An’s brows raised with joy, with the Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire growing so much stronger, it could approximately be used for alchemy.

At that moment, Stone Turtle placed its paw into the Cyan Lotus Heart-Burning Fire, eyes showing a look of delight.

The next instant, it withdrew its paw and exhaled another stream of Clear Spirit Qi, then swung its short tail and returned to its original place, again closing its eyes to rest.

The Cyan Lotus Heart-Burning Fire swelled once more, reaching a fifth of the Primordial Life Fire’s height, its light bright and full, sweeping away initial languor.

At such vigorous intensity, using it for refining elixir was undoubtedly feasible.

Ji An stood up, left finger straight, bringing forth Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire, the three-colored flames hovered at his fingertips, the astonishing heat diffused outward.

A smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth, he withdrew the Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire into his body, paced outside the grotto mansion to take out a Communication Golden Sword, recorded the information and activated it.

Watching the golden light vanish into the distance, Ji An rode a cloud, soaring into the sky, swooping down into a stone house below.

He checked the condition of the teleportation array, replaced the nearly depleted Spirit Stones with new ones, then activated the magic array.

Before him, light and shadows twisted, his figure disappeared, the next moment appearing on Ningcui Cliff.

"The teleportation array is indeed real cutting-edge technology, incredibly convenient."

Ji An sighed, entering the teleportation array leading to Sunrise Peak.

...